Russians confirm a reprieve for Mir

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The Russian Space Agency confirmed this week it will continue to operate the Mir space station.

The reprieve came in the wake of a US firm which the Russians say have delivered US$7 million of a total US$20 million promised by March to ensure Mir is maintained.

The Station, which has been operating empty for nearly half a year, was to have been crashed into the Pacific Ocean if funds were not found.

A cargo flight will be sent up to Mir in February, followed by a crew of two in April. It is understood the crew will spend at least 45 days reclaiming the station which has been drifting since August. One of the crew going is believed to be a Russian movie actor. An additional cargo ship will be sent up in May.

With an allocation of US$120 million to the space program, the Russian Space Agency says Mir's future is now assured until at least August. It is understood that investors are looking at various options to commercialise the aging space station.

BBC reports that some American space officials are dismayed at Mir's new lease of life, as this interferes with support promised for the International Space Station (ISS). Construction of the Station is years behind schedule.

However, the Russian Space Agency also announced this week that it is now expects to launch the Russian-built living quarters for the ISS at the end of July. There are also plans to send two cargo ships and a manned ship to the (ISS) before the end of the year.